18 Fatalities in Ukraine as Russia Launches Record 122 Missiles

(ProsperNews.net) – Russia launched a major assault on Ukraine at the end of December, killing 18 people and injuring dozens during an 18-hour onslaught. Ukrainian officials said the attack involved 122 missiles and 36 drones, which hit six cities, including the capital Kyiv. Air Force commander Mykola Oleshchuk said it was the largest aerial attack by Russian forces since the war began.

The last air assault of this kind came in November 2022 when Russia hurled 96 missiles at Ukrainian targets, and before that, 81 missiles were fired in March. After the latest assault, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, “Today, Russia used nearly every type of weapon in its arsenal.” He added that the buildings hit were hospitals, apartment blocks, and schools.

There was little advancement by either side through 2023, and reports suggest an emerging fatigue and a fall in morale among troops. Operational and Strategic Group commander Oleksandr Tarnavskyi, however, told the BBC his army was taking steps to address these issues and that while morale was low in some places, it was high in others. “There is a concept here: psychological assistance, moral assistance. When there is fatigue, we take appropriate steps to prompt and support,” he said. “As for morale,” he added, “some are losing it, some are maintaining it.”

While Ukraine faces a new and fierce onslaught from Russia, its President continues to urge America to back him. Zelensky visited Washington just before Christmas to persuade wary Republicans to support continued US aid. During a speech at the National Defense University in Washington, Zelensky said, “Let me be frank with you, friends: If there’s anyone inspired by unresolved issues on Capitol Hill, it’s just Putin and his sick clique.”

Republicans are refusing to support an aid package containing funds for Ukraine and Israel unless measures are included to secure the American southern border. President Biden said he is willing to compromise on GOP demands, but no details have yet been agreed.